Jainism is the religion professed by the Jains. There are only
few lacs of Jains but the principles of jainism touch the basis
or existence of any living entity under the sun. It preaches
nonviolence towards all who breathe. It discourages hatred
towards anybody including enemies.

JAIN SHRAVAKA - 12 VOWS

A jain layman(shravaka) has to observe 12 vows:

1

not inflict any injury on
any living being consciously or intentionally

2

not utter lies which will
injure anybody or create wrongful loss or gain to
anybody.

3

not steal goods of anybody.

4

not have sex with lady,
other than wife.

5

will have limit to his
wealth, consume surplus in charity.

6

will limit sphere of
activity.

7

will limit articles of
consumption.

8

will not entertain evil
thoughts and not give sinful or harmful advice.

9

will practice
samayika (equanimity of mind for 48 minutes).

10

will abstain from worldly
activities for one day per year.

11

shall practice one day per
year of life as a Jain monk.

12

shall observe full fast once
a year.

PRINCIPLES OF JAINISM

1

Principles of Jainism preach
and propagate pure, chaste, unadulterated and
unfrictional life which is harmonious and soothing the
other anguished lives in the universe.

2

It preaches democracy in
concepts and freedom in beliefs. it respects the right of
existence of any living being of any miniature. it not
only lives and lets others to live but helps others to
live also.

3

It is environment friendly
and discourages cutting of trees and generation of
unnecessary waste and unnecessary consumption.

4

Jains preach
Samvara(stoppage) and
Nirjara(consumption of karma(the law of
action). According to Jainism, both killing of a man and
killing the smallest possible are murders.

5

This is the most democratic
and equitable aspect of Jainism. All living entities love
life and love to exist. Hence we have no right to exist
by killing anybody however big or small.

JAIN MONKS

Jain Monks strictly observe the following rules:

1

Principles of non-violence
in its entirety.

2

A Jain Monk does not stir
out to beg alms if it is raining because it may injure
insects crawling on the grounds. in the process he may
starve for days together but he does not mind.

3

They always stay without
light, lest the insects might assemble and be scorched
with the heat of light.

4

They always hold a strip of
cloth against their mouth while speaking so that even
minutest insect should not be tortured by their vocal
vibrations.